Bucks are good, solid knives. In their fixed blades, I have a 102, 105, 116 (49 years old!), 117, 119 & a 124. I’m an avid collector & have accumulated over 1200 knives in my 66 years. Yeah, it’s a sickness… 🤣
I love it. I own 2. I don't know what's happened to the knife industry. It's like they just ran out of ideas. I think Buck saw a practical need for a knife as small and precise as the 110 but as robust at the 119, and they went for it. This is the only knife that's really excited me in the past few years.
I have this knife given to me by my hunting buddy who is like a father to me showed me how to gut and skin my first deer hunt together. I use it daily with the grandchildren cutting fruit sausage great knife .
This is my third comment. I finally ordered the pro version because nobody wanted and they had to reduce the price. Here in Canada they are insane and it was selling for about $250 Canadian and now it's down to $140. They went from extremely insane to slightly crazy.
Definitely has a place in hunting camp. Will break down everything from a rabbit to an elk and small and thin enough for food prep. You can’t go wrong with this knife.
I love the 117. The only reason I don't have one yet is the price. You can get the 119 for the same or less. Plus other options at the price point they are selling for. Than being said I have almost every other in the 100 series so I'll probably give in and get one lol.
I have great respect for Buck and it’s a fine blade as far as fit and finish. However it’s just not my type of knife. I’m not into clip points especially long clip points. I like spear point or drop points. To each his own I also respect everyone’s opinions 🙏
I agree. Clip points look and perform well on the 110, and especially on the 112, but beyond that in terms of longer length, I prefer drop points. If i need the versatility of a larger knife, I go with my 192 vanguard or 104.
You are correct in all aspects of your review of the 117. It became my go to outdoor knife a few years ago after 40 years as a guide (in your neck of the woods gt). I don't consider myself a bushcrafter nor a hunter though I have done a lot of both and have the proper knives for such. In most of those years my go to knife was an old Western L48A which looks exactly like the 117 but just a little smaller. When I started using the 117 it was like an old friend. Fishing, small game hunting, prepping and cooking the catch, kitchen chores and most chores around camp are made easier with a decent midsize fixed blade knife. A big knife makes things easier though sometimes.
I have a Woodsman and love it. Great knife. My hand size makes it surprisingly usable and it isn't too small. When I got it, I was looking at the options and I really didn't like just how long the Pathfinder is. Between the 5" blade and bump in handle length, it was too long and I wasn't looking for the swoopy clip shape on the Pathfinder. For someone with a larger hand size, just wanting something a hair longer than a woodsman, it makes sense. And the blade shape is a bit deeper, making it dramatically different than the Pathfinder but a nice, small step up from the Woodsman. So in regard to Buck's lineup, there's a real nice spot for it.
I wanted a 117 for years but couldn’t find one for a reasonable price. Then last year, I managed to get a BOTM 117 pro! I was so glad….Next, Buck tells us that they will again start producing the 117 and 117 pro….so I got the 117 after all! When in doubt, buy em both!
Great looking knife, and what can I say, it's a Buck. That being said though, there needs to be a price offset from the 119 because it's much smaller. I would be comfortable paying somewhere in the $50.00 range. : )
I have a 117 and love it. One of my favorite hunting knives. Not to big not to small. Perfect for almost any hunting task. Very nimble in my hand. The 420 SS works well and is easy to keep razor sharp.
This makes for an excellent fishing knife. Great at cutting up bait. Can make wooden rod holders, stakes and clean the fish caught in them. Great all around kitchen/steak knife too. Love my 119 but find myself using the 117 more, its more versatile.
Buck 117 is trying pretty hard to be my favorite. I always thought the perfect Buck fixed blade for me would be a woodsman blade on a 119 handle. As a hunter, I have found the 119 to be too big, but it's a great camp knife. 117 is better, in my book. Good stuff, man. Cheers!
I inherited my grandpas 119, 102 and 103 last year when he passed. They are such great knives. The 103 Skinner is the best blade I have ever used for processing game. But that handle is slickery!
For camping I feel as though four inch knife is ideal; I would definitely consider it, especially whereas it’s an American made Buck. My 110 that bought In 1977 is still serving me well.
The 117 is my favorite belt knife. It fits my smallish hand like an old friend, and I don’t feel like I’m carrying a brick. My original got stolen out of my Jeep, and it felt like I had to wait forever for Buck to release it again last year. The 119 just didn’t do it for me in the meantime.
I carried a Buck like this on my kit in the Army and it was a great knife. After I got out, my brother stole it, and I've never wanted to replace it with another "100 series" because I don't like rambling through the woods with "shiny equipment." That said, I AM about to buy a 658 Small Pursuit, and MAYBE a large Pursuit...
I have the Large 656 Pro and its one of my favorite knives. The handle fits your hand really well and the knife has a great balance. Its the knife I always have on my hip for camping or hiking.
I use a 102 in my rotation. Along with and ESEE Camplore and a Benchmade hidden canyon. The 102 is probably my favorite because of the classic look. Need to check out the 117.
Hi, i've ordered my 117 yesterday, and i am looking forward to use these knife. For me, the size is perfect for the most jobs, I wanna do in the forest. Very good presentation of these buck model 👍, lot of information. Best wishes from Germany, and sorry for my bad English. I hope, there's no drama with my brahma
117 is hard to find here in Canada. Waited 7 months for it to be available. I carried a 102 and 119 for hunting only. The 102 is kinda to small and 119 is to large and long for tree stands or sitting. So I'm looking forward to using my 117 this year for hunting
The destruction tests on the 119 are absolutely impressive! You can find them if you look. But I was expecting the blade to go quickly but it did not. And that's probably because of the toughness of 420HC, and, according to Larrin's toughness chart (of Magnacut fame) 420HC is one of the toughest steels out there. Definitely a new found respect for 420HC (at least Buck's Bos offering).
When people dog on the price, they often aren't familiar with this. The way they process and treat their steel, the geometry of the blade and clip, and the grind make for a surprisingly impressive blade. And the fact is, for US made, relative to the cost of things going up, the base models in the 100 series are pretty reasonable.
@Timothy Hamm completely agree. I have a 650 Nighthawk (1995) that I will never get rid of. The fact that our stupid, inept military decided to not lock down the contract with Buck back in 1994 is beyond me.
It's a popular model on the Buck forum, but there's a lot of folks there intimately familiar with models of the past that most have never even heard of and they have a different perspective. I plan to try out a 117 here soon, but it probably won't replace the 102 woodsman for me.
I think the 117 is a great all purpose "camp" knife. Similar size of the Mora 2000/kansbol which I've been using for years. I just don't "need" a 119-sized knife, but always liked the look.
I have both and actually prefer the 117. I Carry a larger knife for bushcraft and the 117 for more intricate camp work. I can also EDC the 117 and not feel like I'm carrying a big bush knife.
Buck needs to make a true full tang version.. I LOVE this knife but I just cant bring myself to use it for anything other than a camp kitchen knife.. Actually.. I have to buy another one.. Because the one I own lives on the kitchen bench at home lol..
I got my 117 back in March, and I love it. Its just the right size to carry every day. Plus, I am a fishermen, so I think it will do well cleaning fish. But yeah, it will do all normal "Knife" jobs. Its so light, some times I forget its on my belt.
I like it a lot but as a first Buck knife I would buy the 119. I loved that compared it to the RAT 5. That's my survival knife and I love it. The 1095 one. Looking forward to seeing your updated video.
I still can't figure out why Buck discontinued the 893 Ground Combat Knife?... one of their coolest knives ever, the broke away from that same old 119 style.
I know this is about the knife but thumbs up on thr Zoleo. I have had one for a couple of years that i take when hunting up north and it is great. Easy communication and weather info. Cool to sit out at night and watch the satellite go over that you are communicating with. Great product.
The Buck 117 Brahma is the best knife in the Buck fixed blade line up! Great blade style and size, excellent handle size. Works exceptionally well for camping, hunting, and fishing tasks. If you want to chop, get a hatchet or axe or even a saw. The standard model price is very competitive in the realm this knife fits in. I liked the standard model so well I upgraded to the Pro version which is much more expensive, but you do get better handle and blade materials. Maybe not as good a value however I do not regret this purchase. The Buck 119 is an upgraded Marine Fighting Knife. I don’t do a lot (any actually) knife fighting. The Buck 124 is a brute of a knife, but not as useful in the 3 areas where I use a knife. To me the Buck 117 is the fixed blade equivalent of the Buck 110.
Great comparison! when I get mine I will let you know. I went with the heritage in D2. Yah I could have gotten a cheaper D2 fixed blade, but the balance just looks right on these. And it comes with a leather sheath! If it doesnt work out i will just get a 119 in 420HC. Then I will have the best of both worlds!
as an old fart, with right at 50 years in outdoors/woodscraft, I have seen the 119 and 117 both in real world testing and use many times over. I agree with a lot of what you have said here. one issue I have with the 117 is exactly what you said about the handle landscape. I wear XL leather gloves, and have to stretch them a little ti make them fit well. I find the smaller handle to be restrictive, and uncomfortable. going back all the way to the 70's ( when hollow handle knives were very popular) I was always taught to carry a full tang when my life might depend on it, and I do gravitate towards them even now, but the stick tang of the Buck 100 series HAS proven it's self very capable over the years. I had a 119 for years, but somewhere along the line it was lost. my two go to field knives are the Tops Bob, and the LT Wright Bushcrafter, both are under 4-1/2" blades. both do every task I need a medium size field knife to do exceptionally well. for more nimble tasks, I tend to go with something around a ~3 to 3-1/2 inch blade,
I love the 117. The 102 woodsman is super popular but I like the 117 better. I have both as well as three configurations of the 119. The 117 is my favorite companion knife for a walk in the woods.
There's this thing in the human psyche that says "I have to have the longer knife, bigger caliber, faster car or most expensive item." 119 is bigger/longer than the 117 .
I think I saw this particular knife or the larger version used in the show 'swamp people'. I love the show and seeing the work they put into catching alligator I am pretty confident it will do whatever task you throw at it. And on the knife list it goes..
Because for a long time tou couldn't find them. Only small runs for way too much money. Didn't realize they were back in production. Just ordered one in D2 with the cocobolo handle.
Well, you helped me spend some more money, lol🤣 I ordered the 117 Pro, and it showed up yesterday. First impressions are on point with yours. I like it, super light, don't even know it's on your belt which is great for edc and hiking, my hand is a bit cramped on the small handle but it isn't uncomfortable when using, overall really happy with it. Time will tell how the s35vn holds up but should be good. Thanks for another great video brother!
Bought my first buck knife ever a 119 special with the steel upgrade and the Micarta handles. First non benchmade knife I’ve bought in years. I absolutely hated the feel and slickness of the traditional black phenolic handles but when I saw they came out with the micarta I jumped on it
My main hunting/camping knife is the 119 bc it can do it all. I have 1 that is 30yrs old that was my dads. Its stag horn handle and I love it...and one is the Anniversary addition that is I think 21yrs old. Anyway I think the Brahma might be an awesome deer cleaning knife! I just know I'll never hit the woods without my 119 so I dont think there's room. That's the only reason I wouldn't buy one.
😅I collect Buck knives, so I love the Brahma reintroduction. But whether or not it stays in production depends on whether the same conditions exist that took it out of production. My guess is that it will enjoy a resurgence while all us collectors buy a bunch of them but then will decline because of the previous reasons for the decline. I didn't realize the price was the same as a 119. That may kill it.
I’m not saying this is a bad knife but I think modern knives have surpassed it. Stick tang, slick handle, many pieces to it like the guard and butt, hollow grind. A lot of valid pros and cons discussed here but this knife does not fit my uses.
Handle seemed too small but when I ground the top guard off with the grinding stone on a drill etc.. And send it smooth it made this knife a 100 times better
This is my favotite small Buck knife. I have the 117 Brahma with the leather grip as well. I would like to order the pro version but it's too expensive for my budget. It's a good knife for food processing or whittling. I have a 119 but I don't use it for anything I like this much more for small stuff.
I personally like the size of the 117, I have a 119 and it’s a bit too big for hunting. I usually use a 112 or a 110 to process my deer. And I think it could be a nice knife to use for deer. The 119 is more of a survival size knife, or a combat knife in my opinion. Love the style of the 119, and I love Buck knives in general. I think I would like to try the 117 out for hunting, but I wouldn’t want anything bigger. Thanks for the video, I enjoy the tests you do on the knives you review. Hope you have a good one.
I love all the classically styled Bucks. I would like to know why they called it the Brahma though. They had a 119 Brahma years back that was black oxide coated and had a leather stacked handle. That thing was trash. The only 119 that I have ever sold off.
I'm a buck fan. I'm not a fan of their 420hc but w/ a d2 and s35 option I would buy it. I do wish the s35 was cheaper though as well as they need to start making their sheaths in America.
I might be incorrect, but I always thought that the term Brahma for use with Buck knives referred to the stacked leather handle version vs. the standard Phenolic or Cocobolo (or other handle material) versions... I wouldn't necessarily trust the use of the term in an Amazon ad as being accurate.
I never liked the smaller Buck 100 series fixed blades for reasons of aesthetics, and you are correct the knife is over priced for what it is. You can get the Falkirk which to me is much better looking for about the same price.
Great review. I have my first knife every from 60 years ago..a buck folder with the original leather case! Very special knife that I will always cherish. I also have the 119 Pro which I just look at ! The lines on these Bucks are so beautiful! Thanks again( oh by the way-what do you use on three legged game?😂😀)
That would be phenomenal!! I would also like to see Buck use more simpler carbon steals, 1095, 01 excetera excetera. It would be great seeing a Buck blade patina!!!
Honestly, it would not be my primary blade. More of a back up or one around camp going skating etc. etc. It would make a nice secondary blade to a 119 or 120. I think it would be need to have the collection all in the pro series though.
Hunting knives and fighting utility knives were never meant for chopping wood and batoning.
Bucks are good, solid knives. In their fixed blades, I have a 102, 105, 116 (49 years old!), 117, 119 & a 124. I’m an avid collector & have accumulated over 1200 knives in my 66 years. Yeah, it’s a sickness… 🤣
Ya, I know, just like women and their shoes. I have it for guitars and knives.
It's a great sickness lol! I'm the same way with old guns and especially old revolvers.
no 120 tho??
I love it. I own 2. I don't know what's happened to the knife industry. It's like they just ran out of ideas. I think Buck saw a practical need for a knife as small and precise as the 110 but as robust at the 119, and they went for it. This is the only knife that's really excited me in the past few years.
Well said, bro.
I've used 119 for over 30 years. It is an excellent knife. The 117 really appeals to me also. I wish Buck would bring back an affordable 212.
I have this knife given to me by my hunting buddy who is like a father to me showed me how to gut and skin my first deer hunt together. I use it daily with the grandchildren cutting fruit sausage great knife .
My buddy always carried this knife, and used it for car repair to food prep and skinning. It's a great all-around size without being awkward in town.
Very honestly, this is probably the best dedicated hunting knife that buck has ever made!
This is my third comment. I finally ordered the pro version because nobody wanted and they had to reduce the price. Here in Canada they are insane and it was selling for about $250 Canadian and now it's down to $140. They went from extremely insane to slightly crazy.
Wow!! Good for you. I hope it serves you well!
Just as an EDC fixed blade is enough reason for it. You can never go wrong with a Buck.
I concur with you
Yes you can....two words....Buck Hoodlum
The price is shit! That's wrong!!
With so many other better options available…yes you can
Looks like a good sticker
Definitely has a place in hunting camp. Will break down everything from a rabbit to an elk and small and thin enough for food prep. You can’t go wrong with this knife.
I see the 117 as being a 102 with a larger/fuller handle.
Probably more practical than either the 102 or the 119.
I never heard of this until this video. And I'm a Buck guy.
I love the 117. The only reason I don't have one yet is the price. You can get the 119 for the same or less. Plus other options at the price point they are selling for. Than being said I have almost every other in the 100 series so I'll probably give in and get one lol.
I have great respect for Buck and it’s a fine blade as far as fit and finish. However it’s just not my type of knife. I’m not into clip points especially long clip points. I like spear point or drop points. To each his own I also respect everyone’s opinions 🙏
I agree. Clip points look and perform well on the 110, and especially on the 112, but beyond that in terms of longer length, I prefer drop points. If i need the versatility of a larger knife, I go with my 192 vanguard or 104.
You are correct in all aspects of your review of the 117. It became my go to outdoor knife a few years ago after 40 years as a guide (in your neck of the woods gt). I don't consider myself a bushcrafter nor a hunter though I have done a lot of both and have the proper knives for such. In most of those years my go to knife was an old Western L48A which looks exactly like the 117 but just a little smaller. When I started using the 117 it was like an old friend. Fishing, small game hunting, prepping and cooking the catch, kitchen chores and most chores around camp are made easier with a decent midsize fixed blade knife. A big knife makes things easier though sometimes.
The knife my dad still carries while hunting, but taught me to clean a deer with when I was really young.
Bought a 117 pro, great knife, better day to day use than a 119. The size and flexibility in daily use is excellent
I have a Woodsman and love it. Great knife. My hand size makes it surprisingly usable and it isn't too small. When I got it, I was looking at the options and I really didn't like just how long the Pathfinder is. Between the 5" blade and bump in handle length, it was too long and I wasn't looking for the swoopy clip shape on the Pathfinder. For someone with a larger hand size, just wanting something a hair longer than a woodsman, it makes sense. And the blade shape is a bit deeper, making it dramatically different than the Pathfinder but a nice, small step up from the Woodsman. So in regard to Buck's lineup, there's a real nice spot for it.
I wanted a 117 for years but couldn’t find one for a reasonable price. Then last year, I managed to get a BOTM 117 pro! I was so glad….Next, Buck tells us that they will again start producing the 117 and 117 pro….so I got the 117 after all! When in doubt, buy em both!
Great looking knife, and what can I say, it's a Buck. That being said though, there needs to be a price offset from the 119 because it's much smaller. I would be comfortable paying somewhere in the $50.00 range. : )
I have a 117 and love it. One of my favorite hunting knives. Not to big not to small. Perfect for almost any hunting task. Very nimble in my hand. The 420 SS works well and is easy to keep razor sharp.
This makes for an excellent fishing knife. Great at cutting up bait. Can make wooden rod holders, stakes and clean the fish caught in them. Great all around kitchen/steak knife too. Love my 119 but find myself using the 117 more, its more versatile.
My feelings exactly.
Buck 117 is trying pretty hard to be my favorite. I always thought the perfect Buck fixed blade for me would be a woodsman blade on a 119 handle. As a hunter, I have found the 119 to be too big, but it's a great camp knife. 117 is better, in my book. Good stuff, man. Cheers!
Love my Buck 102 Pro and 120 Pro.
Reviews without a sales pitch is refreshing....thanks.
Looks absolutely perfect, kind of like Goldilocks and the 3 Bears; 119 too big, 102 too small, 117 just right…
I inherited my grandpas 119, 102 and 103 last year when he passed. They are such great knives. The 103 Skinner is the best blade I have ever used for processing game. But that handle is slickery!
For sure I do wish these would upgrade the texture.
I would use a Soldering Iron tip to add Texture as Done on certain pistol grips.
For camping I feel as though four inch knife is ideal; I would definitely consider it, especially whereas it’s an American made Buck. My 110 that bought In 1977 is still serving me well.
Best quality and over all performance for the price. Top notch review. Thank you.
My pleasure!
The 117 is my favorite belt knife. It fits my smallish hand like an old friend, and I don’t feel like I’m carrying a brick. My original got stolen out of my Jeep, and it felt like I had to wait forever for Buck to release it again last year. The 119 just didn’t do it for me in the meantime.
Totally understandable
I carried a Buck like this on my kit in the Army and it was a great knife. After I got out, my brother stole it, and I've never wanted to replace it with another "100 series" because I don't like rambling through the woods with "shiny equipment."
That said, I AM about to buy a 658 Small Pursuit, and MAYBE a large Pursuit...
I have the Large 656 Pro and its one of my favorite knives. The handle fits your hand really well and the knife has a great balance. Its the knife I always have on my hip for camping or hiking.
@@ColoradoStreaming Much obliged
I have a 119 & 117, love both but I use the 117 more. I find it’s the perfect size for about anything I need.
I use a 102 in my rotation. Along with and ESEE Camplore and a Benchmade hidden canyon. The 102 is probably my favorite because of the classic look. Need to check out the 117.
Hi, i've ordered my 117 yesterday, and i am looking forward to use these knife.
For me, the size is perfect for the most jobs, I wanna do in the forest.
Very good presentation of these buck model 👍, lot of information.
Best wishes from Germany, and sorry for my bad English.
I hope, there's no drama with my brahma
Your English is excellent.
117 is hard to find here in Canada. Waited 7 months for it to be available. I carried a 102 and 119 for hunting only. The 102 is kinda to small and 119 is to large and long for tree stands or sitting. So I'm looking forward to using my 117 this year for hunting
I never carry a bigger Buck. I'm still using my old 102. works great for all my small camp task and hikes. I do like the size of the 117 though.
I've got a 119 that I've had so long that I don't remember when I bought it.
The destruction tests on the 119 are absolutely impressive! You can find them if you look. But I was expecting the blade to go quickly but it did not. And that's probably because of the toughness of 420HC, and, according to Larrin's toughness chart (of Magnacut fame) 420HC is one of the toughest steels out there. Definitely a new found respect for 420HC (at least Buck's Bos offering).
When people dog on the price, they often aren't familiar with this. The way they process and treat their steel, the geometry of the blade and clip, and the grind make for a surprisingly impressive blade. And the fact is, for US made, relative to the cost of things going up, the base models in the 100 series are pretty reasonable.
Ya, not mind blowing edge retention but never had an issue with it.
@Timothy Hamm completely agree. I have a 650 Nighthawk (1995) that I will never get rid of. The fact that our stupid, inept military decided to not lock down the contract with Buck back in 1994 is beyond me.
I think people that have used the 119 up till now are going to think what the heck the 119 has worked for me this long i am sticking with the 119. 😊
It's a popular model on the Buck forum, but there's a lot of folks there intimately familiar with models of the past that most have never even heard of and they have a different perspective.
I plan to try out a 117 here soon, but it probably won't replace the 102 woodsman for me.
I sure did want it in 1981.
But then Rambo ruined everything.
I think the 117 is a great all purpose "camp" knife. Similar size of the Mora 2000/kansbol which I've been using for years. I just don't "need" a 119-sized knife, but always liked the look.
Yes very similar to those knives
I have both and actually prefer the 117. I Carry a larger knife for bushcraft and the 117 for more intricate camp work. I can also EDC the 117 and not feel like I'm carrying a big bush knife.
You hit the nail on the head... What a cool steak knife.
I love my 119 but this one doesn't feel like overkill if I use it with a fork lol..
Buck needs to make a true full tang version..
I LOVE this knife but I just cant bring myself to use it for anything other than a camp kitchen knife..
Actually.. I have to buy another one..
Because the one I own lives on the kitchen bench at home lol..
I got my 117 back in March, and I love it. Its just the right size to carry every day. Plus, I am a fishermen, so I think it will do well cleaning fish. But yeah, it will do all normal "Knife" jobs. Its so light, some times I forget its on my belt.
This is one of my favorite deer skinning knives.
I like it a lot but as a first Buck knife I would buy the 119. I loved that compared it to the RAT 5. That's my survival knife and I love it. The 1095 one. Looking forward to seeing your updated video.
It wouldn't take much to turn the Buck 117 into a great fishing knife. A little thinner and maybe a bit more texture on that handle.
Your Vids are great. Thanks. The 117 and the 119 are both good knives
Thanks for watching!
My old hands like the 110, 119 and now the 117. Gave my 102 to my nephew because it had gotten too small.... or my hands too old..
I still can't figure out why Buck discontinued the 893 Ground Combat Knife?... one of their coolest knives ever, the broke away from that same old 119 style.
I know this is about the knife but thumbs up on thr Zoleo. I have had one for a couple of years that i take when hunting up north and it is great. Easy communication and weather info. Cool to sit out at night and watch the satellite go over that you are communicating with. Great product.
Love the 117 for skinny squirrels.
Nice video sir. I have a 1980 built Buck 118. It is well loved and used!! Love all my Bucks.
Love my Buck 119,105 and 102.....SO I guess I will be getting the 117 now too !!!!
If you ever gutted an animal you would understand why this over a 119.
The Buck 117 Brahma is the best knife in the Buck fixed blade line up!
Great blade style and size, excellent handle size. Works exceptionally well for camping, hunting, and fishing tasks.
If you want to chop, get a hatchet or axe or even a saw.
The standard model price is very competitive in the realm this knife fits in. I liked the standard model so well I upgraded to the Pro version which is much more expensive, but you do get better handle and blade materials. Maybe not as good a value however I do not regret this purchase.
The Buck 119 is an upgraded Marine Fighting Knife. I don’t do a lot (any actually) knife fighting.
The Buck 124 is a brute of a knife, but not as useful in the 3 areas where I use a knife.
To me the Buck 117 is the fixed blade equivalent of the Buck 110.
Great comparison! when I get mine I will let you know. I went with the heritage in D2. Yah I could have gotten a cheaper D2 fixed blade, but the balance just looks right on these. And it comes with a leather sheath! If it doesnt work out i will just get a 119 in 420HC. Then I will have the best of both worlds!
as an old fart, with right at 50 years in outdoors/woodscraft, I have seen the 119 and 117 both in real world testing and use many times over. I agree with a lot of what you have said here. one issue I have with the 117 is exactly what you said about the handle landscape. I wear XL leather gloves, and have to stretch them a little ti make them fit well. I find the smaller handle to be restrictive, and uncomfortable. going back all the way to the 70's ( when hollow handle knives were very popular) I was always taught to carry a full tang when my life might depend on it, and I do gravitate towards them even now, but the stick tang of the Buck 100 series HAS proven it's self very capable over the years. I had a 119 for years, but somewhere along the line it was lost. my two go to field knives are the Tops Bob, and the LT Wright Bushcrafter, both are under 4-1/2" blades. both do every task I need a medium size field knife to do exceptionally well. for more nimble tasks, I tend to go with something around a ~3 to 3-1/2 inch blade,
If the handle seems too small cut off the top guard and it gives you a lot more room
I love the 117. The 102 woodsman is super popular but I like the 117 better. I have both as well as three configurations of the 119. The 117 is my favorite companion knife for a walk in the woods.
There's this thing in the human psyche that says "I have to have the longer knife, bigger caliber, faster car or most expensive item." 119 is bigger/longer than the 117 .
I think I saw this particular knife or the larger version used in the show 'swamp people'. I love the show and seeing the work they put into catching alligator I am pretty confident it will do whatever task you throw at it. And on the knife list it goes..
for a smaller knife i like my buck skinner blade shape better, but i do keep a 120 general in my bag too.
The 102 is my preference in that size frame. That 3finn blade style is about perfect for a small game woods bumming knife.
I have one. I appreciate it because it reminds my of the KaBar dog’s head.
Because for a long time tou couldn't find them. Only small runs for way too much money. Didn't realize they were back in production. Just ordered one in D2 with the cocobolo handle.
A little work with a 3/16 chainsaw file and a ball engraver on a Dremel tool improve the slippery handle.
Well, you helped me spend some more money, lol🤣
I ordered the 117 Pro, and it showed up yesterday. First impressions are on point with yours. I like it, super light, don't even know it's on your belt which is great for edc and hiking, my hand is a bit cramped on the small handle but it isn't uncomfortable when using, overall really happy with it. Time will tell how the s35vn holds up but should be good. Thanks for another great video brother!
I feel the brahma is a model that wants to be the pathfinder but wants to look like a large woodsman as well so perhaps it's redundant
Bought my first buck knife ever a 119 special with the steel upgrade and the Micarta handles. First non benchmade knife I’ve bought in years. I absolutely hated the feel and slickness of the traditional black phenolic handles but when I saw they came out with the micarta I jumped on it
My main hunting/camping knife is the 119 bc it can do it all. I have 1 that is 30yrs old that was my dads. Its stag horn handle and I love it...and one is the Anniversary addition that is I think 21yrs old. Anyway I think the Brahma might be an awesome deer cleaning knife! I just know I'll never hit the woods without my 119 so I dont think there's room. That's the only reason I wouldn't buy one.
😅I collect Buck knives, so I love the Brahma reintroduction. But whether or not it stays in production depends on whether the same conditions exist that took it out of production. My guess is that it will enjoy a resurgence while all us collectors buy a bunch of them but then will decline because of the previous reasons for the decline. I didn't realize the price was the same as a 119. That may kill it.
👍 Best knife in the Buck 100 series of fixed blade knives. Not too big, not too small, just right size in blade & handle.
I love the 119 but love the 120 handle girth even better, as it's smaller. I'll have to check this out
Thanks boss! Good lookin out
I’m not saying this is a bad knife but I think modern knives have surpassed it. Stick tang, slick handle, many pieces to it like the guard and butt, hollow grind.
A lot of valid pros and cons discussed here but this knife does not fit my uses.
Somebody is buying them, the Pro series anyway. I've been looking for the 117 Pro for my collection and they are always on backorder
Handle seemed too small but when I ground the top guard off with the grinding stone on a drill etc.. And send it smooth it made this knife a 100 times better
The Pathfinder is the most useful knife. I don't see the Brahma doing anything the Pathfinder can't.
This is my favotite small Buck knife. I have the 117 Brahma with the leather grip as well. I would like to order the pro version but it's too expensive for my budget. It's a good knife for food processing or whittling. I have a 119 but I don't use it for anything I like this much more for small stuff.
I have a 119 and a 102,... and i totally would get the 117.
I think this would be a near perfect hunting knife. If the used a rubber handle option, it would be an A+
Ya it would be great if they came up with some different material for the handle center.
I spend a lot of time in the woods and can’t imagine ever needing that big knife.
Bro....."that big knife. "..........🤣😂😅🥹🤣......what are 2 ft tall? THAT IS A SMALL KNIFE......you bust me up..😅😂🤣😅😂🥹😂😅🤣🥹😂😅🥹🤣.
I'd like this in a traditional Buck full flap sheath. Or a 119 with a 117 piggy back dual sheath.
I just got a 119 I talked to Buck They said to send it back and they would cut it back to 117 length
I personally like the size of the 117, I have a 119 and it’s a bit too big for hunting. I usually use a 112 or a 110 to process my deer. And I think it could be a nice knife to use for deer.
The 119 is more of a survival size knife, or a combat knife in my opinion. Love the style of the 119, and I love Buck knives in general. I think I would like to try the 117 out for hunting, but I wouldn’t want anything bigger.
Thanks for the video, I enjoy the tests you do on the knives you review. Hope you have a good one.
That knife has my Grandson name on it. Get one and save it for him.
Have ever seen the discontinued Buck mesa that was made exclusively for Walmart ? It was a nice knife considering the $40 price
Sweet!!
I love all the classically styled Bucks. I would like to know why they called it the Brahma though. They had a 119 Brahma years back that was black oxide coated and had a leather stacked handle. That thing was trash. The only 119 that I have ever sold off.
I would take both, on a hiking/camping trip :) Because, I have both :)
I'm a buck fan. I'm not a fan of their 420hc but w/ a d2 and s35 option I would buy it. I do wish the s35 was cheaper though as well as they need to start making their sheaths in America.
I might be incorrect, but I always thought that the term Brahma for use with Buck knives referred to the stacked leather handle version vs. the standard Phenolic or Cocobolo (or other handle material) versions... I wouldn't necessarily trust the use of the term in an Amazon ad as being accurate.
Ya not sure on that one. You can always confirm on bladey
I never liked the smaller Buck 100 series fixed blades for reasons of aesthetics, and you are correct the knife is over priced for what it is. You can get the Falkirk which to me is much better looking for about the same price.
Great review. I have my first knife every from 60 years ago..a buck folder with the original leather case! Very special knife that I will always cherish. I also have the 119 Pro which I just look at ! The lines on these Bucks are so beautiful! Thanks again( oh by the way-what do you use on three legged game?😂😀)
I’ve been waiting for a Buck knife review, just hoping it was the Alpha Pro series!
If you want a better grip the 117 has a micarta handle option.
I have the buck 119 with micarta and it has a little extra texture but not much.
The Buck Knives I’d really like/ love to see is a true full tang 119 and 120 😊❤👍🏽
That would be phenomenal!! I would also like to see Buck use more simpler carbon steals, 1095, 01 excetera excetera. It would be great seeing a Buck blade patina!!!
Honestly, it would not be my primary blade. More of a back up or one around camp going skating etc. etc. It would make a nice secondary blade to a 119 or 120. I think it would be need to have the collection all in the pro series though.
I think that the 117 is suitable for older children, for those who are already skilled with knives.
I heard a couple hunters got this knife but there is a cult following behind the 119. I personally carry a 113 hunting fishing mushroom hunting.
I would buy one but they don’t make enough and way overpriced for it. Why would I pay the 120s price for a knife smaller than the 119.